Rome surprised me.
Not because it was loud or chaotic—but because it was shockingly peaceful.
There were no planes droning overhead. I didn’t hear emergency sirens constantly the way you do in so many big cities. Even staying right across from the train station, Rome felt… calm. Steady. Like it had nothing to prove.
It was when I walked out of the station after arriving from Milan, and it hit me instantly: all roads really do lead to Rome.
The station is the proof. There’s 32 tracks.
On the way out—on the right side—there are floor-to-ceiling windows displaying ancient ruins right there inside the station. My mother and I just stopped. Stunned. Like we couldn’t move. Because where else in the world does that exist?
That’s what Rome is: modern life with every convenience imaginable, built around—and integrated into—ancient cultural history that’s still standing right in front of you.
There is no place we’ve ever been like Rome.
So if you’re planning a trip, here are the best things to do in Rome—the iconic must-sees, the moments that feel unforgettable, and a few practical tips that will make your trip smoother (because Rome is magical… but it’s still a real city).
1. Begin with a Guided Golf Cart Tour (the BEST way to start Rome)
If I could recommend one thing to do first in Rome—especially if it’s your first visit—it would be this: start with a guided golf cart tour.
Rome is a city you can explore on foot… but it’s also a city that can wear you out fast if you try to “walk everything” right away. The streets are narrow, the cobblestones are real, and the major sights are spread out more than people expect.
Golf carts are basically the cheat code.
They can zip through the entire city like it’s nothing, glide through those tight little streets, and pull up right near the major landmarks—so you’re not walking miles just to see what you came for. We were able to hop from place to place and see things like the Forum area, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, and so many other iconic spots without the usual exhaustion.
And the best part? You’re not just looking at famous buildings with zero context.
You get a local guide, and ours didn’t just point and say “that’s important.” They gave us the lore, the history, and even showed us photos of what parts of Rome used to look like. In just a few hours, we saw probably 80% (or more) of the main sights and got a real feel for the city—its history, its culture, and how everything fits together.
It was honestly the perfect way to understand Rome’s layout, because after the tour, we knew exactly what we wanted to go back to later… and what we didn’t need to stress about.
Why it’s such a smart first-day plan:
- Safe and easy way to explore (especially if you’re tired, jet-lagged, or traveling with family)
- You see a ton without walking yourself into the ground
- You get a real introduction to Rome’s history instead of guessing what you’re looking at
- It makes the rest of your trip easier to plan because you already understand the city
Bonus: there are different kinds of tours
You can find:
- daytime tours
- evening tours (Rome at night is unreal)
- even wine bar hopping tours
And they’re usually small groups—basically one golf cart worth of people—so even if it’s not private, it still feels personal and you can ask questions and tailor the experience a bit to what you care about.
Also: local guides know exactly where to take you for snacks, the best timing for each spot, and yes… clean bathrooms with seats on the toilet. 🙃
Romans are genuinely proud of their city and their heritage, and you can feel that when you’re with a good guide. We had so much fun and learned so much in just a few hours—it was a perfect day for us, and the best possible way to start Rome.
2. Stroll Through the Orange Garden
2. Stroll Through the Orange Garden (one of Rome’s most peaceful, romantic moments)
If there’s a place in Rome that feels like the city exhaling, it’s the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) on Aventine Hill.
Romans consider this one of the most romantic spots in the city — and the moment you walk in, you understand why.
There’s something almost unreal about it: perfectly spaced orange trees lining a wide, open walkway, and in the distance you see a dome (you’ll know it when you see it). The whole place feels peaceful, not busy — like the city slowed down just long enough for you to notice the quiet.
When we were there, an electric violinist was playing Lindsey Stirling — and it wasn’t just background noise. It was magic. We gave her a generous tip because she elevated the entire experience. It turned a beautiful view into a moment you feel.
Why it’s so special:
- The combination of views, quiet, and art just works — it’s a place Rome breathes
- The perspective you get from up here makes the city feel connected and layered
- It’s the kind of place you stay longer than you planned because it’s worth it
A local guide adds another layer
This was actually part of our golf cart tour, and our guide pointed out something important: not every street artist is authentic. We ended up buying a watercolor painting from a French artist whose work we genuinely loved — but our guide told us that some artists will sell prints or knockoffs as originals.
Our guy? The real deal. Another great reason to have someone local with you: they know who’s genuine, who’s respectful of the city, and who’s worth your time (and money).
3. Take a Cooking Class (because Roman food will ruin you in the best way)
Rome is the kind of city where you eat one truly good meal and immediately start thinking:
Okay… how do I learn to cook like this when I get home?
Cooking classes are everywhere in Rome, and they’re such a fun way to bring a piece of the city back with you—especially once you’ve had a real taste of Roman cuisine. Fresh pasta, tiramisu, sauces that somehow taste like someone’s Italian grandmother made them with love and secrets… it’s not just food. It’s magic.
Honestly, I would swear our hotel had little Italian grandmamas in the back making food miracles happen. After our first meal in Rome—up on our hotel’s rooftop restaurant—my mother said it was the perfect end to a perfect day (and it really was, especially after our golf cart tour).
That’s exactly why a cooking class makes so much sense here: you get to enjoy the experience in the moment and take something home with you—real techniques, real flavor, and the kind of “I can’t believe I made this” memory you’ll talk about forever.
Tip: Many classes include the meal and wine afterward, so it’s not just a lesson—it’s a full Roman night.
4. Take a Winery Day Trip (Rome’s best “escape” that still feels deeply Italian)
One of the coolest things about Rome is that you don’t have to go far to experience a completely different side of Italy.
Just outside the city, you’ll find wine regions like Frascati—and it’s the kind of half-day trip that makes you feel like you stepped into another world. Think quiet countryside, family-run wineries, and white wines that taste like they belong exactly where they were made.
This area has deep history, and in some places you’ll hear about vineyards with ancient mother vines and winemaking traditions that go back generations. The land around Rome has its own personality too—especially in the volcanic regions—and it creates this unique “something” in the food and wine that you really can’t understand until you taste it.
Most winery tours make it easy:
- vineyard walks
- cellar visits
- a look at the winemaking process
- and then the best part: wine tastings with snacks (because Italy always understands the assignment)
Some wineries even still use ancient winemaking techniques, which makes the whole experience feel less like a tourist activity and more like getting a glimpse into a living tradition.
If you love good food, beautiful landscapes, and experiences that feel authentic and unhurried, a winery day trip from Rome is absolutely worth it.
5. Explore Neighboring Cities (Rome is the perfect home base)
One of the best parts about Rome is that it’s not just an incredible destination on its own — it’s also the perfect jumping-off point for seeing more of Italy without having to completely change your trip.
You can take the train, do a guided day trip, or build a little side adventure into your itinerary… and suddenly you’re somewhere that feels like a totally different world.
🌋 Naples + the Amalfi Coast (pure magic — and yes, it’s as beautiful as people say)
If you’ve ever wondered whether the Amalfi Coast is “worth it”… it is.
The whole Sorrento/Amalfi coastline is breathtaking in a way that doesn’t even feel real when you’re there — cliffs, sea views, little towns stacked into the hills, and Mt. Vesuvius just sitting there in the distance like it owns the sky.
And the food? Don’t even get me started.
This is where pizza and mozzarella come from, and you can taste it. We had truly local cuisine — including smoked mozzarella in lemon leaves — and pizza so good we literally cried over it. No exaggeration. It was that kind of meal.
This region is also famous for the best lemons in the world, so yes:
get lemon everything.
And if you see artichokes on menus, don’t skip them — they’re deeply loved here, and you’ll even see them growing as you drive the coast.
And because we went in spring, we got one of my favorite surprises: red poppies everywhere. Like… everywhere. It made the whole drive feel like a painting.
🚄 Practical logistics (this matters)
Getting to Naples from Rome is shockingly easy:
- High-speed train from Rome to Naples is about 1 hour
- Naples is basically your gateway into the Amalfi Coast region
My strongest advice: get a local guide/driver.
I recommend Withlocals if you want a richer experience (yes it costs more than the giant tour buses, but you’re not stuck at the mercy of 200 other people and a strict schedule).
And one thing I feel very strongly about:
Do NOT try to drive Naples or the Amalfi Coast yourself.
The drivers are wild, the roads are intense, and the turns are no joke. Even our local driver was doing the full Italian-road-language the whole time. 😅
Let someone who knows the terrain handle it so you can actually enjoy the views and stay safe.
🎨 Florence (a perfect day trip from Rome — even if you’re not a museum person)
Florence is one of the easiest and most rewarding side trips you can take from Rome.
On the high-speed train, Rome to Florence is only about 1.5 hours, which makes it totally doable as a day trip if you want to see another side of Italy without packing up your whole life and relocating hotels.
Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, so if you’re into art, history, architecture, and that “I can’t believe humans made this” feeling, you could spend days here and still not see everything. The Duomo alone is worth the trip.
But here’s the thing: even if you’re not deeply into museums, Florence still inspires.
Start with a golf cart tour (yes, Florence has them too)
Just like Rome, Florence offers golf cart tours, and I highly recommend starting that way if you want to get your bearings quickly and see a lot without exhausting yourself.
Florence is more compact than Rome, but a guided tour still gives you context, stories, and a smart layout of the city—so you’re not just wandering past famous places without knowing what you’re looking at.
Don’t miss Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is one of those places that feels iconic even before you understand why. It’s beautiful, it’s historic, and it’s one of the best spots for that “I’m really in Italy” moment—especially if you take your time walking along the river nearby.
Florence is also a dream for fashion lovers
Even outside the art history, Florence has serious personality—and if you love beautiful craftsmanship, this city is a must.
You can explore things like:
- the Leather School (and yes… this is where that famous Florentine leather tradition comes from)
- the Gucci Museum
- the Ferragamo Museum
Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s still fun to experience Florence as a fashion and design city—not just an art city.
Gardens, shopping, fountains, and river walks
Florence also has a softer side: gardens, shopping streets, fountains, and everything along the river that just makes the whole city feel romantic and easy to enjoy.
If Rome feels like ancient history woven into modern life, Florence feels like beauty and creativity turned into a whole city.
🌿 Tivoli (Rome’s easiest “wow” day trip)
If you want a day trip that feels romantic, calm, and completely different from the city—add Tivoli to your Rome itinerary.
It’s just outside Rome and home to two of the most famous sites in the region:
- Villa d’Este — the one with the legendary gardens and fountains (it’s like walking through a real-life Renaissance dream)
- Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) — massive ancient ruins that feel peaceful and open, especially if you love history without the intense crowds
Tivoli is perfect when you want that “Italy magic” feeling—lush gardens, fountains, history, and fresh air—without needing to commit to a long travel day.
Tip: Tivoli is a great choice if you want something scenic and unforgettable but still easy enough to do as a half-day or full-day trip from Rome.
6. Visit Rome’s Iconic Landmarks (the kind you’ll remember forever)
Rome is one of those cities where the “iconic sights” aren’t tucked away behind gates or hidden inside one museum district.
They’re just… there.
You’ll be walking through modern streets, past cafés and shops and everyday life, and suddenly you’re standing in front of something that has been part of human history for thousands of years. That’s what makes Rome feel so different from anywhere else.
And honestly? If you start your trip with a guided golf cart tour, you’ll cover most of these landmarks in just a few hours — which is a huge reason it’s such a smart way to begin. You get the layout, the context, and the “wait… that’s right THERE?!” moments without walking yourself into the ground on day one.
Here are the Roman landmarks that are absolutely worth seeing:
🪜 Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are one of those places that’s famous for a reason — not because it’s a huge “activity,” but because it’s classic Rome.
It’s elegant, it’s lively, and it’s the kind of spot that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie for a minute. Even if you only stop here briefly, it’s worth seeing in person.
🏛️ The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of those places that doesn’t need hype — it’s simply stunning.
The scale, the dome, the light coming through the oculus… it’s the kind of architecture that makes you go quiet without realizing it. Even if you’re not an “architecture person,” this is one of those stops that feels genuinely special.
⛲ Trevi Fountain (and Rome’s fountain magic in general)
Trevi is iconic, yes — but what I love about Rome is that it’s not a one-fountain city.
Fountains are part of the atmosphere here. You’ll see them tucked into corners and plazas like they belong there (because they do).
Trevi is absolutely worth seeing, and if you want the moment to feel more peaceful, go early or later in the evening when the energy softens.
And if you want to do the classic coin toss? Do it. Rome is exactly the kind of place where you’re allowed to be sentimental.
🏛️ The Roman Forum (and that “ancient city under your feet” feeling)
The Forum is one of the places where Rome’s history feels the most real.
It’s not just a photo-op — it’s the sense that you’re walking through the bones of an ancient world that shaped everything that came after it. Even seeing it from above or from the edges is powerful.
🏟️ Circus Maximus
Circus Maximus is one of those spots that can feel surprisingly emotional once you understand what it was.
It’s huge. Open. Quiet in its own way. And it’s another reminder that Rome didn’t just have history — it lived it on a massive scale.
🌄 Rome’s Seven Hills (for the views alone)
Rome has gorgeous viewpoints, and if you love that “I want to see the whole city stretch out in front of me” feeling, the hills are where you’ll get it.
The views are romantic, peaceful, and unforgettable — especially when the light is softer in the morning or late afternoon.
🌿 Villa Borghese + gardens (Rome’s green side)
Rome isn’t just stone and ruins — it has this beautiful green, breathing side too.
Villa Borghese is perfect when you want a break from sightseeing without leaving the city. It’s a place to slow down, walk, sit, and just enjoy Rome feeling calm.
🏛️ Palazzos, piazzas, and the “Rome texture”
One of the most underrated parts of Rome is simply soaking in the palazzos, courtyards, and historic streets.
Rome has texture. It has layers. It has that feeling of being surrounded by history even when you’re not standing in front of a named attraction.
This is why wandering works so well here.
💧 Aqueducts (ancient + modern engineering, still shaping the city)
Rome’s relationship with water is part of what makes it feel so alive.
There are ancient aqueducts that still capture your imagination — and there’s also modern infrastructure built on top of those systems. It’s one more example of how Rome isn’t “old versus new.”
It’s old and new, integrated.
✡️ The Jewish Quarter (for food, history, and a different side of Rome)
If you want to experience a different layer of Rome’s culture and history, the Jewish Quarter is absolutely worth visiting.
It has its own atmosphere, and it’s one of those places where the city feels more lived-in and local — especially if you take your time and stop for food.
🌙 Trastevere (for charm, night energy, and that “real Rome” feeling)
Trastevere is one of those neighborhoods that people fall in love with.
It’s charming, atmospheric, and perfect for an evening walk, dinner, or just wandering streets that feel like they haven’t changed in a hundred years (in the best way).
🏛️ The Colosseum (my honest take)
You’re going to see the Colosseum as long as you step out into Rome and do basically anything.
And honestly? Seeing it from the outside is enough for most people to appreciate how incredible it is.
Unless you have a real love for walking through ruins and you want the full inside experience, you don’t need to go inside just because you “should.”
That said — I’ve heard they may be renovating it to be used again for concerts and entertainment, and if that becomes a real thing? Then going inside would absolutely be worth it.
🎨 Vatican City (also my honest take)
People treat the Vatican like it’s mandatory, and I don’t agree with that.
If you’re interested in:
- the church itself
- churches and religious history
- art museums
- Michelangelo / the Sistine Chapel
then yes — go. You’ll probably love it.
But if that’s not your thing? You can skip the crowds and the chaos and still have an amazing Rome trip. Rome has so much beauty and history outside the Vatican that you’re not “missing Rome” by choosing other experiences instead.
✅ What to Pack / Bring for Rome (So Your Trip Feels Easy)
Rome is surprisingly peaceful for a major city — but it’s still a city where a few smart items will make your days smoother, more comfortable, and way more enjoyable.
👟 Comfortable walking shoes (non-negotiable)
Rome is made for walking… but the cobblestones are real and the days add up fast.
Bring shoes you can walk in for hours without regretting your life choices.
💡Don’t wear white socks unless you want to be immediately clocked as a tourist.
🎒 A small anti-theft crossbody or secure day bag
You’ll be in crowds sometimes, and you’ll want your essentials close and easy. A zippered crossbody is perfect.
💧 Refillable water bottle
Rome has drinkable water fountains (nasoni), and staying hydrated makes a huge difference — especially in warmer months.
💡Do NOT dip your water bottle into the fountain to fill it. Go to the spout and fill there. God knows what people may or may not have done to the water already in the fountain pool. The water from the spouts though is clean and safe to drink. I learned this directly from our Roman guide.
☀️ Sun protection
Even when it doesn’t feel scorching, the sun can sneak up on you.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Packable Sun Hat (or something to keep the sun off your face)
☔ Rain protection (because Rome weather loves surprises)
Even if you’re not traveling in a “rainy season,” Rome can randomly decide to rain—and you don’t want that ruining your day.
Bring:
- A small packable umbrella
- A lightweight rain jacket (especially if you hate holding umbrellas)
- Water-resistant shoes if you’re going in spring or fall
Because walking Rome in the rain is still beautiful… but walking Rome in the rain unprepared is not the vibe.
🔌 A Italy travel adapter + power bank
You’ll be using your phone constantly for photos, maps, tickets, and translation.
- Italy plug adapter
- Portable charger/power bank
- (Optional but amazing) small power strip so one adapter powers everything
🧻 The “Rome bathroom kit”
This is one of those things nobody tells you until it’s too late:
- tissues / travel toilet paper
- toilet covers (common to have no seat, just porcelain)
- hand sanitizer
- a few coins (some bathrooms require payment)
- a quick dry small hand towel
👗 A light scarf or cover-up
If you plan to visit churches, having something to throw over your shoulders is an easy win. A light packable scarf you can toss in your day bag is great.
🍬 A small snack (trust me)
Rome is not the place to be hangry. A snack in your bag saves you when meal timing gets weird.
✅ Things Nobody Tells You About Rome (But You’ll Be Glad You Knew)
Rome is one of the most beautiful places on earth — and it’s also a place where a few “insider truths” will make your trip feel smoother.
🚽 1) A lot of public toilets don’t have seats
Yes, really.
Bring large toilet seat covers, don’t wait until it’s urgent, and if you find a clean bathroom… appreciate it like it’s a rare treasure.
💡Hotels throughout the city almost always have normal bathrooms. If you see one close by their public lobby facilities are usually your best bet for a normal and clean bathroom break.
💶 2) Some bathrooms cost money
It’s normal to pay a small fee, especially in busy areas. Carry a few coins and you won’t get caught off guard.
🚶♀️ 3) Rome is a walking city (even when you don’t mean it to be)
Even if you plan to “take it easy,” you’ll end up walking a lot because the city is too beautiful not to explore. Pace yourself and build in sit-down breaks.
💡Private drivers with permits are available in Rome and other Italian cities if you have limited mobility, elderly or youth that make walking a lot difficult traveling with you or if you simply prefer a more luxury and less stressful experience.
🛵 4) Scooters exist in their own universe
Just stay alert when crossing streets and don’t assume “quiet street” means “no scooter.”
🕰️ 5) Your best Rome moments won’t be the ones you planned
Rome has a way of surprising you — ruins where you didn’t expect them, fountains you stumble into, views that stop you mid-step. Leave space in your itinerary for that.
🎟️ 6) A guide makes a huge difference
Rome is incredible on your own, but it becomes even richer when you have context.
This is why I loved doing a golf cart tour early:
you learn the history, the lore, the layout, the best timing, where to grab snacks, and yes — where to find clean bathrooms with seats. 🙃
Romans are proud of their city and heritage, and a good guide will make you feel that.
🎨 7) Not every “artist selling Rome paintings” is legit
Some are real artists. Some… aren’t.
If you want to buy art as a souvenir, having a local guide who knows who’s authentic is a game-changer.